Steve Erickson helped save lives as a respiratory therapist for more than three decades. Nineteen of those years, he specialized in pediatrics.
Steve has joined the City of Roseville in another lifesaving role: as Roseville Fire Department Inspector.
Steve oversees fire safety inspections for:
- Commercial kitchens
- Rental properties
- Multifamily housing
- Hotels and motels
- New construction, including plan review
A large portion of Steve’s role is performing annual inspections for the City of Roseville’s rental licensing and hotel licensing programs. The City of Roseville began licensing hotels this year to ensure health and safety. The city’s rental licensing program was established in 2014 and focuses on maintaining safe living conditions.
“I want people to understand why the fire code is in place and to feel good about making changes and improvements. If I can make it make sense, that’s rewarding.”
Steve systematically inspects businesses, condos, and apartments and makes sure they are meeting fire code requirements to protect human life and property. That includes looking for working smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, fire suppression systems, lighted exits, and other requirements.
Steve said he is really focused on the education component of the job. A portion of Steve's role is to engage with the community to provide public education and outreach.
Steve performs fire inspections full time for the City of Roseville, but he’s also a trained firefighter/EMT. Steve, who lives in neighboring Shoreview, serves as a part-time firefighter for Lake Johanna Fire.
“It’s a good way to be on the front lines and help the community,” Steve said. "There is something special with the fire service that you don’t get in other professions, and that’s the camaraderie with other firefighters.”
Steve will earn his fire investigation certification this Summer and will be assisting Roseville Fire Department with investigations.